Lavish-spending waste-watcher steps down

The man charged with stopping government waste is stepping down after criticism of his own lavish spending on foreign travel and restaurants.

Sir John Bourn, 73, who for 20 years served parliament by making sure public money was not spent on frivolous projects, said he will retire as controller and auditor general next January to avoid a conflict of interest.

The announcement follows weeks of criticism of Sir John's high spending, including more than £330,000 of taxpayers' money on 45 trips to destinations such as Mauritius, Brazil and the Bahamas in the past three years.

Sir john's wife frequently accompanied him on his first-class travels, including a weekend in Venice, although she did not go with him when he went to places such as Moldova and Kazakhstan.

In details released by Sir John's National Audit Office last month in a bid to be open, it was also revealed that he entertained the directors of accounting companies and defence contractors at hotels such as the Ritz, Dorchester and Savoy, spending spending almost £1,500 on meals alone in one six-month period.

Meanwhile, the House of Commons has announced MPs claimed £87.6 million in allowances last year, up around 5 per cent on the sum for the previous 12 months.

The cash includes money for travel by MPs and their staff, London homes, office costs, computers and stationery. For the first time, the details also include information about the modes of transport each MP used.

Liberal Democrat MP Nick Harvey, who represents the Members Estimate Committee, said British taxpayers get "excellent value for money" compared to those in other countries.

He said: "As well as playing a vital role in the House of Commons in debates, law-making and scrutiny, MPs have to undertake frequent journeys between the constituency and Westminster and elsewhere.

"They also have to ensure that offices are fully staffed and properly equipped and provide the level of support and communication increasingly expected and demanded by constituents."

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